RICK VALICENTI

Rick Valicenti // Difference Making

Rick Valicenti is the founder and design director of Thirst/Chicago, a firm devoted to art, function and real human presence that has been influencing the design discourse internationally since 1988. In October 2006, Rick was awarded the prestigious AIGA Medal – the highest honor of the graphic design profession – for his sustained contribution to design excellence and the development of the profession.

Valicenti’s lecture focuses on how designers often boast about being good problem solvers, but sometimes the extent of their problems deal only with issues like: “What typeface? What color? How can it be done by Friday?” Rick Valicenti provides insights into the responsive and inventive thinking he directs within the Thirst studio in an effort to make a difference by design.


Reading List

The suggested reading list includes various reading and media recommendations provided by the lecturer. This list of materials can include projects authored by the lecturer or others, and provides further insight into the guest’s sources of inspiration and additional context surrounding the artist/scholar/designer’s work and practice. This list is shared with RMCAD students and faculty and is archived on the website for academic integration and research opportunities. The physical materials are archived in the RMCAD campus library and the VASD Program archive.


Emotion As Promotion: A Book Of Thirst by Rick Valicenti
Book – 2005

Rant: Emigre No. 64 by Rudy VanderLans
Book – 2003

One-on-Ones with Catherine Haggarty

One-on-Ones with Catherine Haggarty

RMCAD students have the exciting opportunity to meet one-on-one and share their work with visiting artist Catherine Haggarty. Monday, February 5, 2024, and Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

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One-on-Ones with Catherine Haggarty

One-on-Ones with Catherine Haggarty

RMCAD students have the exciting opportunity to meet one-on-one and share their work with visiting artist Catherine Haggarty. Monday, February 5, 2024, and Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Read More »
Networking Virtual Workshop

Networking Virtual Workshop

In this workshop students will learn the art of networking to effectively connect with industry professionals, alumni, and employers. Tuesday, April 4, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. MT

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